Bridgehead Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $887,560 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-6 months (estimated)
• Grant Range: $50,000 - $150,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: Seattle/Pacific Northwest and national

Contact Details

Website: www.bridgeheadfoundation.org
Phone: (425) 286-7364
Mailing Address: PO Box 82720, Kenmore, WA 98028-0720
Letter of Inquiry: Submit via email (details on website)

Overview

The Bridgehead Foundation was established in 2017-2018 as a private foundation dedicated to supporting Christian nonprofit organizations. With assets exceeding $20 million and annual giving of approximately $887,560, the foundation has supported over 35 nonprofit organizations since its inception. Their mission is "elevating organizations that share Christian values towards more thoughtful, strategic, and productive engagement of their world." The foundation focuses primarily on organizations in the Seattle area and Pacific Northwest, while also supporting select national Christian organizations. Beyond grantmaking, they provide curriculum and educational materials for leadership development, including small group resources and multimedia content.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Standard Grants: $50,000 - $150,000 (average ~$80,687 in 2023)
• Application Method: Letter of Inquiry reviewed quarterly, followed by invitation to submit full proposal
• 2023 Activity: 11 grants totaling $887,560

Priority Areas

1. Domestic Development: Long-term, effective solutions to social and economic problems
2. Education and Training: Educational programs and leadership development initiatives
3. Biblical Justice: Programs addressing biblical social justice issues
4. Leadership Development: Curriculum and materials for developing strategic leaders

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• Organizations not aligned with Christian values and mission
• Unsolicited full grant proposals (must begin with LOI)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Dr. Simon Mould

• Over 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience
• Adjunct professor at Northwest University
• Doctorate of Education, M.A. in Public Policy, B.A. in Theology

Board of Trustees:

• Peter Cline, President and Trustee
• Bob Rankin, Co-Trustee
• Simon Mould, Secretary/Executive Director

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Two-Stage Process:

1. Letter of Inquiry (LOI): 2-page email submission including:
   • Organization contact information
   • Brief description of organization and proposed work
   • Project budget and other funding sources
   • Amount requested from Bridgehead Foundation
2. Full Proposal: By invitation only via online portal

Decision Timeline

• LOI reviewed quarterly (4 times per year)
• Total process: Approximately 3-6 months from LOI to final decision
• Notification via email

Success Rates

• 2023: 11 organizations funded
• Total: Over 35 organizations supported since 2018
• Specific success rate data not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

No specific policy documented. Contact foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and giving patterns:

• Demonstrate alignment with four core values: holistic transformation, strategic effectiveness, thoughtful leadership, and responsible stewardship
• Clearly articulate Christian mission: The foundation explicitly supports organizations "fulfilling the redemptive mission of the Gospel"
• Focus on long-term solutions: Emphasize sustainable, transformative approaches rather than temporary relief
• Show strategic planning: Applications should demonstrate thoughtful methodology and clear outcomes
• Geographic advantage: Organizations in Seattle/Pacific Northwest have historical preference
• Keep LOI concise: Strict 2-page limit with no supplemental materials unless requested
• Budget transparency: Include comprehensive financial planning and diversified funding sources

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Start with a 2-page Letter of Inquiry via email - never submit unsolicited full proposals
• Christian mission alignment is essential - this is not a secular foundation
• Average grant size is approximately $80,000 with typical range of $50,000-$150,000
• Quarterly review cycle means strategic timing matters - plan for 3-6 month process
• Emphasize long-term, transformative impact over short-term relief
• Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status
• Seattle/Pacific Northwest organizations have historical advantage but national organizations are considered

References

1. Bridgehead Foundation Official Website - http://www.bridgeheadfoundation.org/ (Accessed February 2025)
2. Bridgehead Foundation Letter of Inquiry Page - http://www.bridgeheadfoundation.org/letter-of-inquiry/ (Accessed February 2025)
3. Bridgehead Foundation Mission Page - http://www.bridgeheadfoundation.org/mission/ (Accessed February 2025)
4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Bridgehead Foundation - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/911441805 (Accessed February 2025)
5. Cause IQ - The Bridgehead Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-bridgehead-foundation,911441805/ (Accessed February 2025)
6. Instrumentl - The Bridgehead Foundation 990 Report - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/bridgehead-foundation (Accessed February 2025)
7. Christian Union Magazine - "Peter and Linda Cline: Bricks and Mortar and Spiritual Vibrancy" (Fall 2017)